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Kendra Stearns Drozd, a commissioned Stephen Minister, former executive recruiter, and longtime community volunteer, is speaking out about the growing impact of loneliness and social isolation and encouraging people to prioritize meaningful human connection in their daily lives.

Drawing on more than a decade of experience providing one-on-one emotional and spiritual support to individuals facing grief, illness, divorce, loss, and life transitions, Drozd believes that small acts of connection can make a significant difference in emotional well-being.

“Many people are struggling in ways that are not visible to others,” said Drozd. “We often assume someone has support because they seem fine on the surface. In reality, many people are carrying tremendous burdens alone.”

The issue has become increasingly urgent in recent years. In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory warning that loneliness and social isolation have become a major public health concern. Research has linked chronic loneliness to increased risks of anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and premature death.

According to the advisory, lacking social connection can be as harmful to long-term health as smoking up to 15 cigarettes per day.

While the statistics are alarming, Drozd believes the solution often begins with simple, personal actions.

“We cannot solve loneliness with an app or a program alone,” she said. “Connection happens person to person. It starts when someone decides to reach out, listen, and genuinely care.”

Drozd’s perspective is shaped by both professional and personal experiences. Throughout her career in advertising, consumer marketing, and executive recruiting, she built her work around understanding people and building relationships. In 2012, she became a commissioned Stephen Minister after experiencing multiple miscarriages and years of fertility challenges, a period during which she relied heavily on the support of others.

“There were people who walked beside me during some of the hardest years of my life,” said Drozd. “They didn’t always have answers. They didn’t try to fix everything. They simply showed up consistently, and that mattered more than they probably realized.”

Since becoming a Stephen Minister, Drozd has supported individuals facing breast cancer, divorce, financial hardship, grief, family conflict, and other significant life challenges. Through those experiences, she has seen firsthand how isolation can intensify emotional pain.

“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that people don’t necessarily need perfect advice,” she said. “They need to know that someone cares enough to listen.”

Drozd believes communities can play a powerful role in reducing loneliness by encouraging more face-to-face interaction, volunteerism, mentorship, and neighborly support.

“We often underestimate how much impact a simple phone call, coffee conversation, or check-in message can have,” she said. “Small acts of kindness create a ripple effect.”

Mental health experts increasingly agree. Studies have shown that strong social connections can improve resilience, reduce stress, support better physical health, and contribute to longer life expectancy.

Drozd hopes the conversation around loneliness continues to evolve beyond statistics and focuses more on practical action.

“This is not just a healthcare issue or a mental health issue,” she said. “It’s a community issue. Every one of us has the ability to make someone feel less alone.”

What Individuals Can Do

Drozd encourages people to take simple steps to strengthen connections in their own communities:

• Reach out to a friend or family member you have not spoken to recently

• Schedule regular in-person conversations whenever possible

• Volunteer with local organizations or faith communities

• Check in on neighbors, especially older adults living alone

• Practice listening without immediately offering solutions

• Be open about personal struggles and encourage others to do the same

“Meaningful connection doesn’t require special training,” said Drozd. “It requires intention. Every conversation is an opportunity to remind someone they matter.”

About Kendra Stearns Drozd

Kendra Stearns Drozd is a former advertising executive, consumer marketing professional, and executive recruiter based in Bluffton, South Carolina. She earned her MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and has worked in advertising, brand management, and recruiting. Since 2012, she has served as a commissioned Stephen Minister, providing confidential emotional and spiritual support to individuals experiencing grief, illness, divorce, loss, and other major life challenges. She is an advocate for human connection, community engagement, and emotional well-being.

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Company Name: Kendra Stearns Drozd
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City: Bluffton
State: South Carolina
Country: United States
Website: https://www.kendrastearns-drozd.com/